Do you love sewing your own clothes and accessories? Interfacing can make your projects look way more professional. This special fabric goes inside clothing to give it shape and structure.
Here are five key things you’ll learn about using interfacing:
- What interfacing does and why it’s awesome
- The different How To Sew a Skirt Waistband: An Effortless Guide to a Flawless Finish”>Sewing Interfacing? The Essential Beginner’s Guide for Flawless Projects”>types of interfacing
- How to choose the right interfacing
- Tips for cutting and attaching interfacing
- Cool interfacing techniques to try
Keep reading to take your sewing skills up a level!
What is Interfacing?
Interfacing is a special fabric that you iron or sew onto the wrong side of other fabrics. It provides firmness, shape, and stability. You usually can’t see interfacing from the outside of a finished project.
Without interfacing, fabric pieces like collars, cuffs, and waistbands would be floppy and lose their shape easily. Interfacing makes those parts crisp and structured.
Types of Interfacing
There are a few main categories of interfacing fabric:
Woven – This is made from a tight weave of cotton or polyester threads. It’s crisp and stable.
Non-Woven – Has a rougher, more mesh-like texture. It’s soft but still provides good support.
Knit – Made especially for stretchy knit fabrics like t-shirt material. It has some give but adds structure.
Choosing the Right Interfacing
So, how do you pick the best interfacing for your project? Here are some tips:
- For lightweight fabrics, use a lighter-weight interfacing.
- Heavier fabrics need sturdy, stiffer interfacing.
- Interfacing should be similar in weight and flexibility to the outer fabric.
- Always buy interfacing meant for the same fibre content (cotton, polyester, etc.).
You can check the packaging or ask at the fabric store if you’re unsure which to get.
Cutting and Attaching Interfacing
Here are some helpful pointers when working with interfacing:
- Cut interfacing about 1 inch smaller than the outer fabric piece.
- This prevents bulky seams and pulling at edges.
- Most interfacing gets fused to the wrong side with an iron.
- Follow the heat instructions on the packaging carefully.
- For knits or curves, sew interfacing in place with a line of stitching.
Cool Interfacing Techniques
Ready to get creative?Try these fun interfacing tips:
- Use heavyweight interfacing for bag straps or handles to prevent stretching.
- Fuse two layers of lightweight interfacing for medium support.
- Cut motifs or lettering from contrasting interfacing and fuse them on.
- Scraps can be used to back buttons or reinforce stress points.
Practice with interfacing scraps first before using them on your main projects!
FAQs:
What is interfacing used for in sewing?
Interfacing provides structure, shape, and stability for sewn pieces like collars, cuffs, and waistbands.
How do I choose the right interfacing for my project?
Match the weight and flexibility of the interfacing to your outer fabric. Use lighter interfacing for lightweight fabrics and heavier/stiffer interfacing for heavier fabrics.
How do I attach interfacing to fabric?
Most interfacing gets fused to the wrong side of the fabric with an iron. Follow the heat instructions carefully. For knits or curves, sew interfacing in place with stitching.
What types of interfacing are available?
The main types are woven (crisp), non-woven (mesh-like) and knit (stretchy) interfacings.
Can I use interfacing for things other than garment sewing?
Yes! Try it for bag straps/handles, fusing appliques or motifs, reinforcing stress points and more.
How much smaller should I cut interfacing pieces?
Cut interfacing 1 inch smaller than outer fabric to prevent bulky seams and pulling.
In Closing
Using the right types of interfacing in the proper ways can really elevate sewn items. With a little know-how, you can achieve professional-quality results at home.
What interfacing techniques do you want to master next? Share your goals below!
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Main image: freepik